RU2628356C2 - Sealing in form of central protuberance for pipe connection - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: oil and gas industry.

SUBSTANCE: metal-to-metal sealing system, connecting the first and the second pipe elements contains the first sealing configuration, disposed on the first pipe element and the second sealing configuration, disposed on the second pipe element. The first sealing configuration contains the first ring recess and the first ring tooth and the second sealing configuration contains the second ring recess and the second ring tooth. The second ring tooth is located within the first ring recess. The surface of the second ring tooth cooperates with the adjacent first ring protuberance surface, so as to define the first protuberance. The first ring tooth is located within the second ring recess. The surface of the first ring tooth cooperates with the adjacent second ring protuberance surface so as to define the second protuberance. The sections of the first sealing contact of the surfaces elements are axially spaced from the first and the second protuberances.

EFFECT: effective sealing and problems preventing in the area of high loads of the deformable central protuberance in the pipe elements joints.

23 cl, 5 dwg

Description

CROSS RELATIONS TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to provisional application US No. 61/760,833, filed February 5, 2013, and provisional US application No. 13 / 827,195, filed March 14, 2013, the contents of which are incorporated into this description by reference.

FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY

[0002] This application relates to a type of pipe connection that is commonly used in the oil and gas industry and comprises a seal in the form of a central protrusion, and more particularly, to a seal configuration in the form of a central protrusion separating the radial and tangential forces of the metal-metal contact surfaces from the central protrusions.

BACKGROUND

[0003] The oil and gas industry is mastering the drilling of deeper and more complex wells for the search and production of hydrocarbons. In this industry, steel pipes (oil and gas field assortment pipes) are usually used to protect the well (casing) and to control the fluids produced in it (pipe system). The casing and pipe system are manufactured and transported in relatively small lengths and are installed in the well one length in length at a time, with each length extending to the next. As the search for oil and gas leads companies to drill deeper and more complex wells, the demand for casing and pipe systems has grown proportionally in terms of tensile and pressure forces. The evolving deviated and horizontal well technology has reinforced this trend, also adding to the demands on casing and tubing systems for increased torsional forces.

[0004] There are two general classes of connectors in the art. The most common is a threaded and mating connector in which two external, or male threads, formed at the ends of two long pipe sections, are connected by two internal or female threads formed on a relatively short part, a sleeve that has an outer diameter larger than the pipe and approximately same inner diameter. Another class is represented by a one-piece connector, in which a part with an external thread is formed at one end of the full-sized pipe section, and a part with an internal thread is formed in the second full-size section. These two sections can be directly connected without the need for intermediate parts. The ends of the pipe body may be further processed to facilitate thread formation of the joint.

[0005] The prior art provides examples of the use of a variety of different threads, protrusions, and seal configurations for oilfield tubing. One type of combination of protrusion and seal used in the prior art is the so-called seal configuration in the form of a central protrusion. As used in the present description, the term “center shoulder seal” is understood to mean a connection section located between at least two threaded portions, the section comprising surfaces configured to directly contact between an external thread and containing internal threads or between an external thread containing internal threads and a third component, such as an o-ring sleeve, so that the section minutes to provide a seal to prevent leakage of fluid or gas through the connection assembly (through its threads).

[0006] US Pat. Nos. 5,415,442 and 5,462,315 disclose a configuration of a central protrusion shown in FIG. 1, in which five metal-metal seals are formed during installation (assembly) of the joint: two metal-metal seals on the outer beveled edges of the blocked double seal 400 in the form of protrusions, while the sealing surfaces 418 and 438 are in contact and the sealing surfaces 422 and 442 are in contact; and three clearance-free surfaces on the inner side of the blocked double seal 400 in the form of protrusions, one 410 is located on the side surface on which the cylindrical sealing surface is in contact, another clearance-free surface is located on the contact area of the outer surface of the protrusion 420 with an external thread with a recessed surface 448 with an internal thread, and another clearance-free surface located on the contact area of the outer surface of the protrusion 440 with a female thread with a recessed surface 428 with zhnoy thread. Thus, the seal 400 in the form of a central protrusion forms a tight-fitting metal-metal seal, containing conjugated metal-metal sealing surfaces, which provide the possibility of accumulating an energy reserve inside the seal after tightening the installed joint so that after various forces act on the pipe, also on the connection, the seal continued to perform the function of sealing interaction and maintain it. It should be noted that all metal-metal seals are formed inside the axial space 450 between sets of contacting annular outer surfaces of the central protrusions, and each of the metal-metal seals on the outer beveled edges of the seal 400 in the form of a protrusion, each of which exerts radial forces, is directly adjacent to corresponding to one of the sets of contacting annular outer surfaces.

[0007] Patents Nos. 5,765,836 and 6,041,487 disclose a configuration of a central protrusion shown in FIG. 2, in which at least two and no more than seven metal-metal seals are installed between parts containing an external thread and containing an internal thread. Three of the seven seals are truncated seals. The first truncated outer seal 120 is formed by interacting with an external thread and having an internal thread made in the form of a truncated cone of the surfaces on the radial outer side of the central protrusion, and the second inner truncated seal 122 is formed between the containing external thread and the internal thread of the truncated cone-shaped surfaces on radial inner side of the central protrusion. The third truncated seal is a central truncated seal 124 formed between the external thread-containing and internal-thread-containing central intermediate truncated conical surfaces. Seals of two annular projections are formed. Each of the first inner ring seal 126 in the form of a protrusion and the second outer ring seal 128 in the form of a protrusion interacts with the annular surfaces containing the external thread and containing the internal thread of the parts. Also, two cylindrical seals are formed. The first outer cylindrical seal 130 is formed by interacting with the external thread and the inner thread of the cylindrical surfaces of the outer seal on the radial outer side, and the second inner cylindrical seal 132 is formed by the interaction of the outer thread and containing the internal thread of the cylindrical seal surfaces on the radial inner side. It should be noted that in this configuration, each of the metal-metal seals subject to significant radial and tangential forces (i.e., contacting seals 122 and 120) is directly adjacent to the corresponding one of the sets of contacting annular outer surfaces (i.e., on the annular contact seals 126 and 128) and, likewise, is located in the axial space 150 between the two seals in the form of an annular protrusion.

[0008] In the configurations of the central protrusion of the above patents, the axial load inside the protrusion joints is prone to form the highest loads near the axial contact locations of the annular protrusion (for example, on seals 126 and 128 in the form of an annular protrusion in Fig. 2, and, similarly, seals in the form of an annular protrusion formed in the configuration of Fig. 1). Thus, the highest loads and deformability of the material or deformation is formed inside the axial region 450, 150, which, in each case, is defined between the annular protrusions of the connection, or next to it.

[0009] The creation of the connection of the Central protrusion is required, which provides effective sealing and prevents potential problems associated with radial sealing forces in the area of high load and the area of probable deformability of the central protrusion.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] In one aspect, the metal-metal sealing system connecting the first and second pipe members (for example, such as the first and second oil and gas field tubes) comprises a first seal configuration located on the first pipe element and a second seal configuration located on the second pipe element. The first seal configuration comprises a first annular recess and a first annular tooth, a first annular recess is defined by a radially inwardly facing recessed surface, a first annular surface of the protrusion, and an adjacent first surface radially outwardly facing, a first annular tooth is defined by a radially inwardly recessed surface, the surface of the first annular prong and a second surface facing radially outward. The second seal configuration comprises a second annular recess and a second annular tooth, a second annular recess is defined by a radially outwardly facing recessed surface, an adjacent second annular surface of the protrusion, and an adjoining first surface radially inwardly facing, a second annular tooth is defined by a radially outwardly recessed surface, the surface of the second annular prong and a second surface radially inward. The second annular tooth is located within the first annular recess, and the surface of the second annular tooth interacts with the first annular surface of the protrusion in such a way as to determine the first protrusion. The first annular tooth is located within the second annular recess, and the surface of the first annular tooth interacts with the second annular surface of the protrusion in such a way as to define a second protrusion. The plot of the first sealing contact between the first surface facing radially outward of the first pipe element and the second surface facing radially inward of the second pipe element is located at an axial distance from the first protrusion; and the portion of the first sealing contact between the first surface facing radially inward of the second pipe element and the second surface facing radially outward of the first pipe element is located at an axial distance from the second protrusion.

[0011] In one embodiment of the system in accordance with the previous paragraph, a gap is formed between the first surface facing radially outward and the second surface facing radially inward, next to the first protrusion; a gap is formed between the first surface facing radially inward and the second surface facing radially outward, next to the second protrusion.

[0012] In one embodiment of the system in accordance with any of the two previous paragraphs, a portion of the first sealing contact between the first surface facing radially outward and the second surface facing radially inward is located at an axial distance from the first protrusion of between approximately 0.025 inches (0.06 cm) and approximately two inches (5.08 cm), and a portion of the first sealing contact between the first surface facing radially inward and the second surface facing radially outward ju, is located at an axial distance from the second protrusion of approximately between 0.025 inches (0.06 cm) and approximately one inch (2.54 cm).

[0013] In one embodiment of the system in accordance with any of the three preceding paragraphs, the radial clearance between the first surface facing radially outward and the second surface facing radially outward in the plane of the first protrusion is between approximately 0.040 inches (0.1016 cm) and approximately 0.500 inches (1.27 cm), and the radial clearance between the first surface facing radially inward and the second surface facing radially inward in the plane of the second protrusion is between approximately 0.040 inches (0.1016 cm) and approximately 0.500 inches (1.27 cm).

[0014] In one embodiment of the system, in accordance with any of the four preceding paragraphs, a radially inwardly recessed surface interacts with a radially outwardly recessed surface.

[0015] In one embodiment of the system in accordance with any of the five previous paragraphs, the location of the first sealing contact between the first surface facing radially outward and the second surface facing radially inward is formed by the interaction between one of: (i) a section made in the shape of a truncated cone, a first surface facing radially outward, and a portion made in the form of a truncated cone, a second surface facing radially inward; (i) a section made in the form of a truncated cone, a first surface facing radially outward and a curved section of a second surface facing radially inward; (iii) a curved portion of a first surface facing radially outward and a portion made in the form of a truncated cone, a second surface facing radially inward; or (iv) a curved portion of a first surface facing radially outward and a curved portion of a second surface facing radially inward. Similarly, the location of the first sealing contact between the first surface facing radially inward and the second surface facing radially outward is formed by the interaction between one of: (i) a section made in the form of a truncated cone, the first surface facing radially inward, and the section made in the form of a truncated cone, a second surface facing radially outward; (ii) a section made in the form of a truncated cone, a first surface facing radially inward, and a curved section of a second surface facing radially outward; (iii) a curved section of a first surface facing radially inward and a section made in the form of a truncated cone, a second surface facing radially outward; or (iv) a curved portion of a first surface facing radially inward and a curved portion of a second surface facing radially outward.

[0016] In yet another aspect, a metal-metal seal system connecting the first and second pipe elements comprises a first seal configuration located on a first pipe element and a second seal configuration located on a second pipe element. The first seal configuration comprises a first annular recess and a first annular tooth, a first annular recess is defined by a radially inwardly facing recessed surface, a first annular surface of the protrusion, and an adjacent first surface radially outwardly facing, a first annular tooth is defined by a radially inwardly recessed surface, the surface of the first annular prong and a second surface facing radially outward. The second seal configuration comprises a second annular recess and a second annular tooth, a second annular recess is defined by a radially outwardly facing recessed surface, an adjacent second annular surface of the protrusion, and an adjoining first surface radially inwardly facing, a second annular tooth is defined by a radially outwardly recessed surface, the surface of the second annular prong and a second surface radially inward. The second annular tooth is located within the first annular recess, and the surface of the second annular tooth interacts with the first annular surface of the protrusion in such a way as to determine the first protrusion. The first annular tooth is located within the second annular recess, and the surface of the first annular tooth interacts with the second annular surface of the protrusion in such a way as to define a second protrusion. The first surface facing radially outward of the first pipe element and the second surface facing radially inward of the second pipe element are configured to provide a first sealing contact between surfaces outside the axial region between the first protrusion and the second protrusion. Similarly, the first surface facing radially inward of the second pipe element and the second surface facing radially outward of the first pipe element are configured to arrange the first sealing contact between surfaces outside the axial region.

[0017] In one embodiment of the system in accordance with the previous paragraph, the axial region extends between approximately 0.020 inches (0.0508 cm) and approximately 0.25 inches (0.635 cm).

[0018] In one embodiment of the system in accordance with any of the two previous paragraphs, the location of the first sealing contact between the first surface facing radially outward and the second surface facing radially inward is outside the axial region, however, at least about 1,750 inches (4.445 cm) from the axial region; and the location of the first sealing contact between the first surface facing radially inward and the second surface facing radially outward is outside the axial region, but within at least about 0.750 inches (1.905 cm) from the axial region.

[0019] In one embodiment of the system in accordance with any of the three previous paragraphs, the location of the first sealing contact between the first surface facing radially outward and the second surface facing radially inward is formed by the interaction between one of: (i) a section made in the shape of a truncated cone, a first surface facing radially outward, and a portion made in the form of a truncated cone, a second surface facing radially inward; (ii) a section made in the form of a truncated cone, a first surface facing radially outward and a curved section of a second surface facing radially inward; (iii) a curved portion of a first surface facing radially outward and a portion made in the form of a truncated cone, a second surface facing radially inward; or (iv) a curved portion of a first surface facing radially outward and a curved portion of a second surface facing radially inward. Similarly, the location of the first sealing contact between the first surface facing radially inward and the second surface facing radially outward is formed by the interaction between one of: (i) a section made in the form of a truncated cone, the first surface facing radially inward, and the section made in the form of a truncated cone, a second surface facing radially outward; (ii) a section made in the form of a truncated cone, a first surface facing radially inward, and a curved section of a second surface facing radially outward; (iii) a curved section of a first surface facing radially inward and a section made in the form of a truncated cone, a second surface facing radially outward; or (iv) a curved portion of a first surface facing radially inward and a curved portion of a second surface facing radially outward.

[0020] Details of one or more embodiments are disclosed in the accompanying drawings and the following description. Other features, objectives, and advantages will be apparent from the description and drawings, as well as from the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] FIG. 1 is a partial sectional view of one seal configuration in the form of a central protrusion of the prior art;

[0022] FIG. 2 shows a partial sectional view of yet another seal configuration in the form of a central protrusion of the prior art;

[0023] FIG. 3 shows a partial sectional view of one embodiment of a seal in the form of a central protrusion;

[0024] FIG. 4 shows a partial sectional view of yet another embodiment of a seal in the form of a central protrusion; and

[0025] FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of yet another embodiment of a seal in the form of a central protrusion, wherein the location of the first sealing contact on opposite sides of the joint contains mating threads on one side of the central projection, and does not contain any mating threads on the other side of the central projection.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] With reference to FIG. 3, a partial cross-sectional view of a joint 200 in the form of a central protrusion between two pipe elements 202 and 204 is shown. The pipe element 202 forms a connection section with an external thread, and the pipe element 204 forms an end of a connection with an internal thread. The axial center line of the connection is designated 206, and it should be noted that a cross-sectional view of the connection as a central protrusion will include a mirror image of components located on the opposite side of the center line of the axis (i.e., below the center line 206 in FIG. 3) .

[0027] The configuration of the seal on the tubular member 202 includes an annular recess 208 and an annular tooth 210. The annular recess 208 is defined to be radially inwardly facing (ie, facing toward the center line 206) with a recessed surface 212, an adjacent annular protrusion surface 214 and an adjacent surface radially outwardly facing 216. An annular tooth is defined by a recessed surface 212 radially inwardly facing, an annular tooth outer surface 218 and surface 220 radially outwardly facing. In this embodiment, surface 216 contains a radius of curvature extending to the protrusion surface 214, and surface 220 contains a radius of curvature extending to the outer surface 218 of the tooth.

[0028] The configuration of the seal on the tube member 204 includes an annular recess 222 and an annular tooth 224. The annular recess 222 is defined by a radially outwardly recessed surface 226, an adjacent annular protrusion surface 228 and an adjacent radially inwardly facing surface 230. The annular notch 224 is defined to be radially outwardly recessed. surface 226, surface 232 of the annular tooth and surface radially inwardly facing 234. In the depicted embodiment, surface 230 contains a radius of curvature protruding to the surface 228 of the protrusion, and the surface 234 contains a radius of curvature, passing to the outer surface 232 of the tooth.

[0029] FIG. 3 shows a assembled joint in which the annular tooth 224 is located inside the annular recess 208, the outer surface of the annular tooth 232 interacting with the annular surface 214 of the protrusion so as to define one protrusion represented by the plane 236 of the protrusion. Similarly, the annular tooth 210 is located inside the annular recess 222, and the outer surface 218 of the annular tooth interacts with the annular surface 228 of the protrusion in such a way as to define another protrusion represented by the plane 238 of the protrusion. In the depicted embodiment, the recessed surfaces 212 and 226 also interact with each other, as a result of which they can perform the function of another sealing arrangement, similar to the mating protrusions. On opposite axial sides of the joint, mating threaded portions or tubular elements are also schematically indicated 260 and 262.

[0030] As shown, a gap can be formed between the radially outward facing surface 216 and the radially outward facing surface 234 next to the protrusion plane 236. The portion of the first sealing contact between the radially outwardly facing surface 216 and the radially inwardly facing surface 234 shown in FIG. 3 and designated 240 is spaced axially from the protrusion plane 236 so as to define a metal-metal seal contact region 242 (represented by the interaction of surfaces indicated by cross-hatching), which is located at an axial distance from the protrusion plane 236. As used in the present description, the term "location of the first sealing contact" between the two indicated surfaces should be understood as the portion of the maximum contact pressure between the two surfaces. Therefore, as an example, in some embodiments, surfaces 216 and 234 may slightly contact each other near the protrusion plane 236 (for example, within the axial region 246 between the protrusion planes 236 and 238), although at the same time, a portion of the first the sealing contact between the surfaces 216 and 234 is located at a greater distance from the protrusion plane 236. In general, the portion of the maximum contact pressure and, therefore, the portion of the first sealing contact, are located adjacent to the portion of the maximum interaction between the surfaces.

[0031] A gap may be formed between the surface radially inwardly facing 230 and the surface radially outwardly facing 220 next to the protrusion plane 238, or, as previously indicated, only slight contact between the surfaces adjacent to the protrusion plane 238 can be provided. In either case, the portion of the first sealing contact between the radially inwardly facing surface 230 and the radially outwardly facing surface 220 shown in FIG. 3 and 243 is located at an axial distance from the protrusion plane 238 so as to define a metal-metal seal contact region 244 (represented by the interaction of surfaces indicated by cross-hatching) that is located at an axial distance from the protrusion plane 238. It should be noted that if both contact areas 242 and 244 of the first seal of the depicted embodiment are present, the portion of the first seal contact is located outside the axial joint area 246 defined between the two protrusion planes 236 and 238.

[0032] The exact location of the first sealing contact portion between the surfaces (for example, 216 and 234, or 220 and 230) may vary depending on various factors, including the required tightening limit required in the joint, as well as the thickness and diameter of the tubular joint.

[0033] By way of example: a portion of the first sealing contact 240 may be axially spaced from a protrusion plane 236 of between about 0.025 inches (0.06 cm) and about one inch (2.54 cm); a portion of the first sealing contact 243 may be axially spaced from a protrusion plane 238 of between about 0.025 inches (0.06 cm) and about one inch (2.54 cm); the axial region 246 may extend between approximately 0.020 inches (0.0508 cm) and approximately 0.25 inches (0.635 cm); the radial clearance between the radially outward facing surface 216 and the radially outward facing surface 220 in the protrusion plane 236 may be between approximately 0.040 inches (0.1016 cm) and approximately 0.500 inches (1.27 cm); and the radial clearance between the radially inwardly facing surface 230 and the radially inwardly facing surface 234 in the protrusion plane 238 may be between about 0.040 inches (0.1016 cm) and about 0.500 inches (1.27 cm).

[0034] In the depicted embodiment, each of surfaces 216, 220, 230, and 234 is depicted as a curved surface. Such curved surfaces, as an example, when viewed in a two-dimensional image along a plane passing through and parallel to the central axis of the joint 206, may include elliptic curves, circular curves, curves with a variable radius of any suitable type (for example, the radius of the curve is usually between approximately 0.5 inches (1.27 cm) and approximately 15 inches (38.1 cm) for the most effective seal), or combinations thereof, and corresponding three-dimensional surface shapes formed when rotated ii any such curve about the axis 206 compound. However, it should be noted that the surfaces should not be completely curved or, from this point of view, should not be curved at all. For example, in one modification of the embodiment of FIG. 3, surfaces 220 and 234 remain curved, however, surfaces 216 and 230 are made in the shape of a truncated cone so that each section of the first sealing contact 240 and 243 is formed relative to the interaction between the curved surface and the surface made in the form of a truncated cone.

[0035] With reference to an alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 4, an embodiment of a seal configuration 300 is shown in the form of a central protrusion with an axial center line 306 in which metal-metal contact seals are not formed by curved surface portions. In this configuration, the male end located on the tube member 302 comprises an annular recess 308 and an annular tooth 310. The annular recess 308 is defined to be radially inwardly facing (i.e., facing toward the center line 306) with a recessed surface 312 adjacent to the annular the protrusion surface 314 and the adjacent radially outward facing surface 316. The annular tooth is defined by the inwardly radially inwardly deepened surface 312, the outer annular tooth surface 318 and the radially outward facing 320. The end with a female thread located on the tube element 304 comprises an annular recess 322 and an annular tooth 324. The annular recess 322 is defined by a radially outwardly recessed surface 326, an adjacent annular projection surface 328 and an adjacent radially inwardly directed surface 330. Annular prong 324 defined radially outwardly recessed surface 326, the outer surface 332 of the annular tooth and facing radially inward surface 334.

[0036] Surface 316 comprises a cylindrical portion 316a and a truncated cone shaped portion 316b, and surface 334 comprises a cylindrical portion 334a and a truncated conical shaped portion 334b. A gap may be formed between the surface portions 316a and 334a, however, the truncated cone-shaped portions 316b and 334b interact in such a way as to form a first sealing contact portion 340 located at an axial distance from the protrusion plane 336 represented by the interacting region 342 contact. Surface 320 comprises a cylindrical portion 320a and a truncated cone shaped portion 320b, and surface 330 comprises a cylindrical portion 330a and a truncated conical shaped portion 330b. A gap may be formed between the surface portions 320a and 330a, however, the truncated cone shaped portions 320b and 330b cooperate so as to form a first sealing contact portion 343 located axially spaced from the protrusion plane 338 represented by the interacting region 344 contact. For maximum efficiency, the cone-shaped angle of each section 316b, 334b, 320b, 330b made in the form of a truncated cone relative to the central axis 306 of the connection (for example, represented in one example in Fig. 4 by an angle θ relative to a line 321 parallel to the central axis 306), as well as the cone-shaped angle of other embodiments, including truncated cone shaped surface sections, may be between about 1 ° and about 7 °. Also shown are mating threaded sections 360 and 362 located on opposite axial sides of the central protrusion. The axial arrangement of the seals and the radial thickness of the tube elements may be the same as described previously with reference to the embodiment of FIG. 3.

[0037] Other changes are also possible. It should be noted that any of the metal-metal contact seals located at an axial distance from the protrusions may be formed by (i) a section made in the form of a truncated cone of one surface and a section made in the form of a truncated cone, another surface; (ii) a section made in the form of a truncated cone, one surface and a curved section of another surface; (iii) a curved section of one surface and a section made in the form of a truncated cone, another surface; or (iv) a curved section of one surface and a curved section of another surface.

[0038] In general, each of the external threaded part and the internal threaded part can be formed using a turning process with cutting inserts configured to form the desired configuration of a central protrusion on each part. By appropriately determining, selecting and processing the radial location of each of the surfaces radially outward and radially inwardly facing, and each point along such surfaces from a predetermined center line, maximum interaction portions can be preselected to locate the first sealing contact portions in the axial direction from protrusions of the connection.

[0039] With reference to FIG. 5, an embodiment of a seal configuration 500 is shown in the form of a central protrusion with an axial center line 506, in which one side of the joint does not contain mating threads. In this configuration, the male end located on the tube member 502 comprises an annular recess 508 and an annular tooth 510. As in previous embodiments, the annular recess 508 is defined to be radially inwardly facing (i.e., facing the center line 506), recessed a surface adjacent an annular protrusion surface 514 and an adjacent surface radially outwardly facing 516. An annular tooth 510 is defined to be a radially inwardly facing recessed surface, an annular tooth outer surface 518 and a radially outwardly facing surface 520. An end with a female thread located on the tubular member 504 comprises an annular recess 522 and an annular tooth 524. The annular recess 522 is defined as a radially outwardly recessed surface adjacent to the annular protrusion surface 528 and an adjacent radially inwardly facing surface 530. An annular tooth 524 is defined by a recessed surface radially outwardly facing, an annular tooth outer surface 532, and a surface 334 radially inwardly facing.

[0040] In the illustrated embodiment, surface 516 and surface 534 are configured to position the portion of the first sealing contact 540 at a greater distance from the axial region 546 between the protrusion planes 536 and 538 than the portion of the first sealing contact 543 between the surfaces 520 and 530. In this configuration, the portion of the first sealing contact 540 may be axially spaced from the protrusion plane 536 of between approximately 0.025 inches (0.06 cm) and approximately two yuymami (5.08 cm); and a portion of the first sealing contact 543 may be axially spaced from a protrusion plane 538 of between approximately 0.025 inches (0.06 cm) and approximately one inch (2.54 cm); the axial region 546 may extend between approximately 0.020 inches (0.0508 cm) and approximately 0.250 inches (0.635 cm); the radial clearance between the radially outward facing surface 516 and the radially outward facing surface 520 in the protrusion plane 536 may be between approximately 0.040 inches (0.1016 cm) and approximately 0.500 inches (1.27 cm); and the radial clearance between the radially inwardly facing surface 530 and the radially inwardly facing surface 534 in the protrusion plane 538 may be between approximately 0.040 inches (0.1016 cm) and approximately 0.500 inches (1.27 cm). In this case, the portion of the first sealing contact 540 will generally be within 1.75 inches (4.445 cm) from the axial region 546.

[0041] Surfaces 516 and 534 comprise corresponding cylindrical surface portions 516A and 534A with a clearance formed. The surface portion 516A is followed by a curved surface portion 516B, and the truncated cone-shaped surface portion 534B is followed by the surface portion 534B, the portion of the first sealing contact 540 being located between sections 516B and 534B. The surface 530 contains a section 530A made in the form of a truncated cone, followed by another, steeper section 530B made in the form of a truncated cone, and the surface 520 contains a curved section 520A turning into a cylindrical section 520B. The first sealing contact portion is located between the surface portion 530A and the surface portion 520A. It should be noted that other surface options are possible, as described previously. The mating threaded portions 562 are located on one side of the central protrusion, more specifically, on the side closer to the outer diameter of the connection, and the opposite side of the connection does not contain any mating threads. It should be noted that on this opposite side of the joint, a gap 550 may be formed between the outer surface of the protrusion with the external thread and the outer surface of the protrusion with the internal thread, as shown, to prevent deformation of the portion with the external thread as a result of torque, compression and expansion of the material at high temperatures. However, the outer surfaces may come into contact, for example, during assembly, during compression or expansion of the material. Also shown is a recess 560 for the lubricant in the surface 530 of the female thread part 504, configured to receive excess thread lubricant during assembly of the joint.

[0042] The configuration of FIG. 5 is particularly suitable for use in conjunction with pipes used in geothermal areas, for example in the field of gravity drainage using steam. Although in FIG. 5, an embodiment does not contain any mating threaded portion on one side of the joint, it should be understood that there are possible variations, including embodiments of the invention, in which the mating threaded portion is also formed on the joint side comprising a portion of the first sealing contact 540 located on a greater distance from the axial region 546 of the protrusion.

[0043] Therefore, a method is provided for providing tubular elements with a central protrusion separating metal-metal seals from the high-load region of the central protrusion. The method includes: providing the first and second pipe elements, each comprising an end with an external thread and an end with an internal thread, wherein: (a) each end with an external thread contains: a configuration of a central protrusion comprising a first annular recess and a first annular tooth, a first annular recess defined by a radially outward facing radially inward surface, a first adjoining annular surface of the protrusion and an adjacent first radially outward facing surface, the first annular tooth is defined by facing p an adially inwardly deepened surface, an outer surface of the first annular tooth and a second surface facing radially outward, and at least a first threaded portion located on the configuration side of the central protrusion with a large diameter; (b) each end with an internal thread includes: a configuration of a central protrusion comprising a second annular recess and a second annular tooth, a second annular recess defined by a radially outwardly facing deep surface, a second adjacent annular surface of the protrusion and an adjacent first surface radially inward, a second annular tooth defined radially outwardly recessed surface, the outer surface of the second annular tooth and the second surface facing radially inward, and n at least a first threaded portion located on the side of the configuration of the Central protrusion with a large diameter; (c) the configuration of the central protrusion and the first threaded end portion with the external thread of the first pipe element configured to mate with the configuration of the central protrusion and the first threaded end section with the internal thread of the second pipe element so that after assembling the end with the external thread of the first pipe element with an end with an internal thread of the second pipe element: (i) ensure the location of the second annular tooth within the first annular recess, the outer surface the spine of the second annular tooth interacts with the first annular surface of the protrusion to determine the first protrusion, and to ensure the location of the first annular tooth within the second annular recess, and the outer surface of the first annular tooth interacts with the second annular surface of the protrusion to determine the second protrusion; (ii) to ensure that the portion of the first sealing contact is located between the first surface radially outward, the end with the external thread of the first pipe element and the second surface radially inward, the end with the internal thread of the second pipe element at an axial distance from the first protrusion; and (iii) to ensure that the portion of the first sealing contact is located between the first surface facing radially inward, the end with the internal thread of the second pipe element and the second surface facing radially outward of the end with the external thread of the first pipe element at an axial distance from the second protrusion.

[0044] Similarly, a method for connecting pipe elements for use inside an oil and gas well is provided, comprising: (a) using the first and second pipe elements, each of which contains an end with an external thread and an end with an internal thread, in which: (i) each end with an external thread contains: a configuration of a central protrusion comprising a first annular recess and a first annular tooth, the first annular recess is defined by a radially inwardly recessed surface, the first adjacent annular surface with the protrusion and the adjacent first surface facing radially outward, the first annular tooth is defined by the radially outward facing surface, the outer surface of the first annular tooth and the second surface facing radially outward, and at least the first threaded portion located on the configuration side of the central protrusion with a large diameter, and (ii) each end with an internal thread includes: a configuration of a central protrusion comprising a second annular recess and a second annular tooth, a second A ring groove is defined by a recessed surface radially outward, a second adjacent annular surface of the protrusion and a first adjacent surface radially inward, a second ring tooth is defined by a recessed surface radially outward, an outer surface of the second ring tooth and a second surface radially inward, and at least a first threaded portion located on the configuration side of the central protrusion with a large diameter; (b) introducing an end with an external thread of the first pipe element into engagement with an end with an internal thread of the second pipe element; (c) providing a relative rotation between the first pipe element and the second pipe element so that the interaction of the first threaded portions of the first and second pipe elements allows the first and second pipe elements to move towards each other; and (d) completing the assembly of the end with the external thread of the first pipe element with the end with the internal thread of the second pipe element so as to: (i) ensure that the second annular tooth is located within the first annular recess, the outer surface of the second annular tooth interacting with the first annular the surface of the protrusion in such a way as to determine the first protrusion, and to ensure the location of the first annular tooth within the second annular recess, and the outer surface of the first annular tooth and interacts with the second annular surface of the projection so as to define a second protrusion; (ii) to ensure that the portion of the first sealing contact is located between the first surface radially outward, the end with the external thread of the first pipe element and the second surface radially inward, the end with the internal thread of the second pipe element at an axial distance from the first protrusion; and (iii) to ensure that the portion of the first sealing contact is located between the first surface facing radially inward, the end with the internal thread of the second pipe element and the second surface facing radially outward of the end with the external thread of the first pipe element at an axial distance from the second protrusion.

[0045] It should be understood that the foregoing description is provided solely as an illustration and example, and not limitation in any way, and that other changes and modifications are possible.

Claims (87)

1. A metal-metal sealing system connecting the first and second pipe elements, comprising: a first seal configuration on a first tubular member comprising a first annular recess and a first annular tooth, wherein the first annular recess is defined by a radially inwardly deepened surface adjacent a first annular projection surface and an adjoining first surface radially outwardly defined, and the first annular notch is defined indicated radially inverted inwardly with a recessed surface, the surface of the first annular tooth and the second surface facing radially outward; a second seal configuration on a second tubular element comprising a second annular recess and a second annular tooth, wherein the second annular recess is defined by a radially outwardly facing deep surface adjacent a second annular surface of the protrusion and an adjacent first surface radially inward, and the second annular tooth is defined to be indicated radially inverted outward with a recessed surface, a surface of a second annular tooth and a second surface facing radially inward; moreover, the second annular tooth is located within the first annular recess, and the surface of the second annular tooth interacts with the first annular surface of the protrusion in such a way as to determine the first protrusion; moreover, the first annular tooth is located within the second annular recess, and the surface of the first annular tooth interacts with the second annular surface of the protrusion in such a way as to determine the second protrusion; moreover, the section of the first sealing contact between the first surface facing radially outward of the first pipe element and the second surface facing radially inward of the second pipe element is located at an axial distance from the first protrusion; moreover, the plot of the first sealing contact between the first surface facing radially inward of the second pipe element and the second surface facing radially outward of the first pipe element is located at an axial distance from the second protrusion. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein: between the first surface facing radially outward and the second surface facing radially inward, a gap is formed next to the first protrusion; and between the first surface facing radially inward and the second surface facing radially outward, a gap is formed next to the second protrusion. 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the portion of the first sealing contact between the first surface facing radially outward and the second surface facing radially inward is located at an axial distance from the first protrusion greater than the portion of the first sealing contact between the first surface, facing radially inward, and a second surface facing radially outward. 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the portion of the first sealing contact between the first surface facing radially outward and the second surface facing radially inward is located at an axial distance from the first protrusion of between approximately 0.025 inches (0.06 cm ) and approximately two inches (5.08 cm), and the portion of the first sealing contact between the first surface facing radially inward and the second surface facing radially outward is located at an axial distance from the second protrusion a between approximately 0.025 inches (0.06 cm) and approximately one inch (2.54 cm). 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the radial clearance between the first surface facing radially outward and the second surface facing radially outward in the plane of the first protrusion is between approximately 0.040 inches (0.1016 cm) and approximately 0.500 inches (1, 27 cm), and the radial clearance between the first surface facing radially inward and the second surface facing radially inward in the plane of the second protrusion is between approximately 0.040 inches (0.1016 cm) and approximately 0.500 inches (1.27 cm). 6. The system according to claim 1, in which the radially inwardly recessed surface interacts with the radially outwardly recessed surface. 7. The system of claim 1, wherein: the location of the first sealing contact between the first surface facing radially outward and the second surface facing radially inward is formed by the interaction between one of: (i) a section made in the form of a truncated cone, a first surface facing radially outward, and a section made in the form of a truncated cone, a second surface facing radially inward; (ii) a section made in the form of a truncated cone, a first surface facing radially outward, and a curved section of a second surface facing radially inward; (iii) a curved portion of a first surface facing radially outward and a portion made in the form of a truncated cone, a second surface facing radially inward; or (iv) a curved portion of a first surface facing radially outward and a curved portion of a second surface facing radially inward; moreover, the location of the first sealing contact between the first surface facing radially inward and the second surface facing radially outward is formed by the interaction between one of: (i) a section made in the form of a truncated cone, a first surface facing radially inward, and a section made in the form of a truncated cone, a second surface facing radially outward; (ii) a section made in the form of a truncated cone, a first surface facing radially inward, and a curved section of a second surface facing radially outward; (iii) a curved section of a first surface facing radially inward and a section made in the form of a truncated cone, a second surface facing radially outward; or (iv) a curved portion of a first surface facing radially inward and a curved portion of a second surface facing radially outward. 8. The system according to claim 1, in which the first surface facing radially outward of the first pipe element and the second surface facing radially inward of the second pipe element are made so that the portion of the first sealing contact between the surfaces is located outside the axial region between the first protrusion and a second protrusion, wherein the first surface facing radially inward of the second pipe element and the second surface facing radially outward of the first pipe element is such that a portion of the first tnyayuschego contact between surfaces located outside the axial region. 9. The system of claim 8, wherein the axial region extends between 0.02 inches (0.0508 cm) and 0.25 inches (0.635 cm). 10. The metal-metal sealing system connecting the first and second pipe elements, containing: a first seal configuration on a first tubular member comprising a first annular recess and a first annular tooth, wherein the first annular recess is defined by a radially inwardly deepened surface adjacent a first annular projection surface and an adjoining first surface radially outwardly defined, and the first annular notch is defined indicated radially inverted inwardly with a recessed surface, the surface of the first annular tooth and the second surface facing radially outward; a second seal configuration on a second tubular element comprising a second annular recess and a second annular tooth, wherein the second annular recess is defined by a radially outwardly facing deep surface adjacent a second annular surface of the protrusion and an adjacent first surface radially inward, and the second annular tooth is defined to be indicated radially inverted outward with a recessed surface, a surface of a second annular tooth and a second surface facing radially inward; moreover, the second annular tooth is located within the first annular recess, and the surface of the second annular tooth interacts with the first annular surface of the protrusion in such a way as to determine the first protrusion; moreover, the first annular tooth is located within the second annular recess, and the surface of the first annular tooth interacts with the second annular surface of the protrusion in such a way as to determine the second protrusion; moreover, the first surface facing radially outward of the first pipe element and the second surface facing radially inward of the second pipe element are made in such a way as to ensure the location of the first sealing contact between the surfaces outside the axial region between the first protrusion and the second protrusion; moreover, the first surface facing radially inward of the second pipe element and the second surface facing radially outward of the first pipe element are made in such a way as to ensure the location of the first sealing contact between the surfaces outside the axial region. 11. The system of claim 10, wherein said axial region extends between about 0.02 inches (0.0508 cm) and about 0.25 inches (0.635 cm). 12. The system of claim 11, wherein: the location of the first sealing contact between the first surface facing radially outward and the second surface facing radially inward is outside the axial region, but within at least about 1,750 inches (4.445 cm) from the axial region; moreover, the location of the first sealing contact between the first surface facing radially inward and the second surface facing radially outward is outside the axial region, however, at least about 0.750 inches (1.905 cm) from the axial region. 13. The system of claim 12, wherein: the location of the first sealing contact between the first surface facing radially outward and the second surface facing radially inward is formed by the interaction between one of: (i) a section made in the form of a truncated cone, a first surface facing radially outward, and a section made in the form of a truncated cone, a second surface facing radially inward; (ii) a section made in the form of a truncated cone, a first surface facing radially outward, and a curved section of a second surface facing radially inward; (iii) a curved portion of a first surface facing radially outward and a portion made in the form of a truncated cone, a second surface facing radially inward; or (iv) a curved portion of a first surface facing radially outward and a curved portion of a second surface facing radially inward; moreover, the location of the first sealing contact between the first surface facing radially inward and the second surface facing radially outward is formed by the interaction between one of: (i) a section made in the form of a truncated cone, a first surface facing radially inward, and a section made in the form of a truncated cone, a second surface facing radially outward; (ii) a section made in the form of a truncated cone, a first surface facing radially inward, and a curved section of a second surface facing radially outward; (iii) a curved section of a first surface facing radially inward and a section made in the form of a truncated cone, a second surface facing radially outward; or (iv) a curved portion of a first surface facing radially inward and a curved portion of a second surface facing radially outward. 14. A method of performing tubular elements with a central protrusion separating metal-metal seals from areas with a high load of the central protrusion, comprising: the implementation of the first and second pipe elements, each of which contains an end with an external thread and an end with an internal thread, moreover: each end with an external thread contains: a configuration of a central protrusion comprising a first annular recess and a first annular tooth, wherein the first annular recess is defined by a radially outward facing surface adjacent to a first annular projection surface and an adjacent first surface radially outward, and the first annular tooth is defined indicated radially inwardly recessed surface, the surface of the first annular tooth and the second surface facing radially to the outside y, and at least a first threaded portion located on the side of the central projection configuration; each end with a female thread includes: a configuration of a central protrusion comprising a second annular recess and a second annular tooth, wherein the second annular recess is defined by a radially outwardly facing deepened surface adjacent a second annular surface of the protrusion and an adjacent first surface facing radially inward, the second annular tooth is defined as indicated facing radially outward with a recessed surface, a surface of a second annular tooth and a second surface facing radially inward pb, and at least a first threaded portion located on the configuration side of the central protrusion; the configuration of the Central protrusion and the first threaded end portion with the external thread of the first pipe element, made for mating with the configuration of the Central protrusion and the first threaded end section with the internal thread of the second pipe element and having a size such that after assembling the end with the thread of the first tube element with the end with internal thread of the second pipe element: to ensure the location of the second annular tooth within the first annular recess, and the surface of the second annular tooth interacts with the first annular surface of the protrusion to determine the first protrusion, and to ensure the location of the first annular tooth within the second annular recess, the surface of the first annular tooth interacts with the second annular surface of the protrusion to determine the second protrusion; to ensure the location of the plot of the first sealing contact between the first surface facing radially outward, the end with the external thread of the first pipe element and the second surface facing radially inward, the end with the internal thread of the second pipe element at an axial distance from the first protrusion; and to ensure the location of the plot of the first sealing contact between the first surface facing radially inward, the end with the internal thread of the second pipe element and the second surface facing radially outward, the end with the external thread of the first pipe element at a distance in the axial direction from the second protrusion. 15. The method according to p. 14, in which: between the first surface facing radially outward and the second surface facing radially inward, a gap is formed next to the first protrusion; and between the first surface facing radially inward and the second surface facing radially outward, a gap is formed next to the second protrusion. 16. The method according to p. 14, in which the plot of the first sealing contact between the first surface facing radially outward and the second surface facing radially inward is located at an axial distance from the first protrusion larger than the portion of the first sealing contact between the first surface facing radially inward and a second surface facing radially outward. 17. The method according to p. 14, in which the plot of the first sealing contact between the first surface facing radially outward and the second surface facing radially inward is located at an axial distance from the first protrusion of between approximately 0.025 inches (0.06 cm ) and approximately two inches (5.08 cm), and the portion of the first sealing contact between the first surface facing radially inward and the second surface facing radially outward is located at an axial distance from the second protrusion a between approximately 0.025 inches (0.06 cm) and approximately one inch (2.54 cm). 18. The method according to p. 14, in which the radial clearance between the first surface facing radially outward and the second surface facing radially outward in the plane of the first protrusion is between approximately 0.040 inches (0.1016 cm) and approximately 0.500 inches (1, 27 cm), and the radial clearance between the first surface facing radially inward and the second surface facing radially inward in the plane of the second protrusion is between approximately 0.040 inches (0.1016 cm) and approximately 0.500 inches (1.27 cm). 19. The method according to p. 14, in which the radially inwardly recessed surface interacts with the radially outwardly recessed surface. 20. The method according to p. 14, in which: the location of the first sealing contact between the first surface facing radially outward and the second surface facing radially inward is formed by the interaction between one of: (i) a section made in the form of a truncated cone, a first surface facing radially outward, and a section made in the form of a truncated cone, a second surface facing radially inward; (ii) a section made in the form of a truncated cone, a first surface facing radially outward, and a curved section of a second surface facing radially inward; (iii) a curved portion of a first surface facing radially outward and a portion made in the form of a truncated cone, a second surface facing radially inward; or (iv) a curved portion of a first surface facing radially outward and a curved portion of a second surface facing radially inward; moreover, the location of the first sealing contact between the first surface facing radially inward and the second surface facing radially outward is formed by the interaction between one of: (i) a section made in the form of a truncated cone, a first surface facing radially inward, and a section made in the form of a truncated cone, a second surface facing radially outward; (ii) a section made in the form of a truncated cone, a first surface facing radially inward, and a curved section of a second surface facing radially outward; (iii) a curved section of a first surface facing radially inward and a section made in the form of a truncated cone, a second surface facing radially outward; or (iv) a curved portion of a first surface facing radially inward and a curved portion of a second surface facing radially outward. 21. The method according to p. 14, in which the first surface facing radially outward of the first pipe element and the second surface facing radially inward of the second pipe element are made so that the plot of the first sealing contact between the surfaces is located outside the axial region between the first protrusion and the second protrusion, while the first surface facing radially inward of the second pipe element and the second surface facing radially outward of the first pipe element is made so that the section of the first The contact between the surfaces is located outside the axial region. 22. The method of claim 21, wherein the axial region extends between 0.02 inches (0.0508 cm) and 0.25 inches (0.635 cm). 23. A method of connecting tubular elements, comprising: (a) the use of the first and second pipe elements, each of which contains an end with an external thread and an end with an internal thread, in which: each end with an external thread contains: a configuration of a central protrusion comprising a first annular recess and a first annular tooth, wherein the first annular recess is defined by a radially outward facing surface adjacent to a first annular projection surface and an adjacent first surface radially outward, and the first annular tooth is defined indicated radially inwardly recessed surface, the surface of the first annular tooth and the second surface facing radially to the outside y, and at least a first threaded portion located on the side of the central projection configuration with a large diameter, each end with a female thread includes: a configuration of a central protrusion comprising a second annular recess and a second annular tooth, wherein the second annular recess is defined by a radially outwardly facing deep surface, a second annular surface of the protrusion and an adjacent first surface radially inward, and the second annular tooth is defined the specified facing radially outward recessed surface, the surface of the second annular tooth and the second surface facing radially ext tr, and at least a first threaded portion located on the side of the central projection configuration with a large diameter; (b) introducing an end with an external thread of the first pipe element into engagement with an end with an internal thread of the second pipe element; (c) providing relative rotation between the first pipe element and the second pipe element so that the interaction of the first threaded portions of the first and second pipe elements allows the first and second pipe elements to move towards each other; (d) completing the assembly of the end with the external thread of the first pipe element with the end with the internal thread of the second pipe element so that: to ensure the location of the second annular tooth within the first annular recess, and the surface of the second annular tooth interacts with the first annular surface of the protrusion in such a way as to determine the first protrusion, and to ensure the location of the first annular tooth within the second annular recess, and the surface of the first annular tooth interacts with the second an annular surface of the protrusion so as to define a second protrusion; to ensure the location of the plot of the first sealing contact between the first surface facing radially outward, the end with the external thread of the first pipe element and the second surface facing radially inward, the end with the internal thread of the second pipe element at an axial distance from the first protrusion; and to ensure the location of the plot of the first sealing contact between the first surface facing radially inward, the end with the internal thread of the second pipe element and the second surface facing radially outward, the end with the external thread of the first pipe element at a distance in the axial direction from the second protrusion.

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